U.S. patent application number 12/281857 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-12 for vacuum storage container.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE GLAD PRODUCTS COMPANY. Invention is credited to Carl L. Bergman, Ryan J. Coonce.
Application Number | 20100200588 12/281857 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38510155 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100200588 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bergman; Carl L. ; et
al. |
August 12, 2010 |
VACUUM STORAGE CONTAINER
Abstract
A thin-walled vacuum storage container made of a plastic
material may have a base providing a storage cavity and a
detachable lid connectable to the base for covering the storage
cavity. To evacuate the storage cavity, the container also includes
a valve element communicating with the storage cavity and that may
be adapted to interface with a vacuum device. The base and/or the
lid can have at least one wall made by a thin-wall manufacturing
process wherein the wall thickness is about 2.5 millimeters or
less. Alternately, the base and/or lid can have at least one wall
with a flow-length-to-wall-thickness ratio of about 90:1 or
greater.
Inventors: |
Bergman; Carl L.; (Loveland,
OH) ; Coonce; Ryan J.; (Palatine, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE CLOROX COMPANY
P.O. BOX 24305
OAKLAND
CA
94623-1305
US
|
Assignee: |
THE GLAD PRODUCTS COMPANY
Oakland
CA
|
Family ID: |
38510155 |
Appl. No.: |
12/281857 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
March 5, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2007/063299 |
371 Date: |
February 10, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60782208 |
Mar 14, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/203.01 ;
220/324; 220/378 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/2038
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/203.01 ;
220/378; 220/324 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/16 20060101
B65D051/16; B65D 53/00 20060101 B65D053/00; B65D 45/16 20060101
B65D045/16 |
Claims
1. A rigid storage container comprising: a base having a base wall
thickness, the base providing a storage cavity accessible by an
opening; a lid having a lid wall thickness, the lid is positioned
over the base for covering the opening; one of the base wall
thickness and lid wall thickness is about 2.5 millimeters or less;
and a valve element communicating with the storage cavity.
2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the wall thickness is
in a range of 0.5 millimeters to 2.5 millimeters.
3. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the base is hingedly
connected to the lid.
4. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the base is generally
rectangular.
5. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the container is air
tight.
6. The storage container of claim 5 wherein the container is vacuum
tight.
7. The storage container of claim 1 further comprising a gasket
between the base and the lid.
8. The storage container of claim 7 wherein the gasket is
compressibly deformed when the lid engages the base.
9. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the base includes a
tongue projecting from a rim outlining the opening, and the lid
includes a corresponding groove for receiving the tongue when the
base and lid are connected.
10. The storage container of claim 9, further comprising a
resilient gasket in the groove.
11. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising a latch
for securing the lid and the container.
12. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the lid includes an
upward projecting embossment arranged near the valve element.
13. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a
recessed portion depressed toward the storage cavity, the valve
element being attached to the lid within the recessed portion.
14. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising a filter
for the valve element.
15. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the valve element is
an umbrella valve element, the umbrella valve element having a
circular flexible skirt and a neck projecting from approximately
the center of the skirt.
16. The storage container of claim 15, wherein the lid includes a
first aperture and a second aperture disposed therein, and the
umbrella valve element is attached to the lid such that the neck is
received in the first aperture and the skirt overlays the second
aperture.
17. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the valve element is
a duckbill valve element, the duckbill valve element attached to an
aperture disposed through the lid.
18. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the valve element is
a diaphragm valve element having a generally planar flexible
diaphragm with a peripheral edge and a central aperture disposed
therein.
19. The storage container of claim 18, wherein the lid includes at
least one aperture disposed therein, and the diaphragm valve
element by its peripheral edge is attached to the lid such that the
diaphragm normally overlays the aperture.
20. The storage container of claim 18, wherein the diaphragm valve
element includes a rolling sleeve formed within the diaphragm and
disposed as an annular ring between the diaphragm valve peripheral
edge and the diaphragm valve central aperture.
21. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the base and the lid
include a thermoplastic material.
22. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the base and the lid
are formed by a process selected from the group consisting of
injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding, vacuum molding,
centrifugal molding, compression molding or combinations
thereof.
23. A storage container comprising: a base including at least one
base wall, the base providing a storage cavity accessible by an
opening; a lid including at least one lid wall, the lid detachably
connectable to the base for covering the opening, one of the base
wall and the lid wall have a flow-length-to-wall-thickness ratio of
about 90:1 or greater; and a valve element communicating with the
storage cavity.
24. The storage container of claim 19, wherein the
flow-length-to-wall-thickness ratio is in the range of 90:1 to
300:1.
25. A storage container comprising: a base providing a storage
cavity accessible by an opening, the base including at least one
base wall; a lid detachably connectable to the base for covering
the opening, the lid including at least one lid wall; one of the
base wall and the lid wall having a stiffness such that the
container is designed to fail at an absolute pressure inside the
storage cavity of about 5 PSIA or less; and a valve element
communicating with the storage cavity.
26. The storage container of claim 25, wherein the absolute
pressure is in the range of 5 PSIA to 13.7 PSIA.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] A variety of different containers are available for storing
and preserving food items for later consumption. Such containers
may be flexible, as in the case of plastic storage bags, or may be
rigid, as in the case of plastic and glass-walled storage
containers. An advantage of rigid storage containers is that they
can maintain their shape and thereby protect the stored food items
from being crushed. Another advantage is that rigid containers are
usually easily washable and therefore can be reusable. Also, it is
desirable that rigid containers be temperature and microwave
resistant to allow for heating, cooling and freezing of the stored
food items within the container. To accomplish these advantages,
rigid containers are often made as a relatively thick-walled
structure of a stiff material such as Pyrex.TM. glassware or
polycarbonate plastic. Such materials, in addition to being
relatively heavy, are also costly.
[0002] To preserve the food items within the storage container, it
is desirable to minimize their contact with air that can dehydrate
and spoil the food items. Accordingly, thick-walled rigid
containers are typically made to effect a sufficient air-tight
seal. It is also desirable to reduce the quantity of air that may
become trapped within the container during storage. Such trapped
air can be removed by "burping" or, in other words, depressing the
lid of a thick-walled, rigid container into the storage cavity of
the container to displace air trapped therein. To maintain and
withstand the vacuum conditions and to facilitate the above
mentioned advantages, rigid vacuum storage containers are made with
dense materials and substantial wall thicknesses, all of which adds
additional costs to the storage container.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention provides a rigid storage container having a
base providing a storage cavity and a detachable lid that is
connectable to the base to adequately seal the contents of the
container. To remove air that may become trapped in the container
after the base and lid have been connected, the container can
include a valve element that communicates with the storage cavity.
A valve element can interface with a vacuum device to remove air
from the storage cavity, thereby placing the contents under a
vacuum environment. When not interfaced with the vacuum device, the
valve element normally seals the storage cavity to prevent the
ingress of air. To reduce weight and cost, the base and lid of the
container can be substantially formed with generally rigid
thin-walls made of a suitable plastic material.
[0004] Production of the thin-walls can be accomplished by any of
the various suitable thin-walled manufacturing techniques, such as
thin-walled injection molding. Such manufacturing techniques can
produce parts having a thin-walled thickness of about 2.5
millimeters or less. Another characteristic of parts manufactured
by thin-walled techniques is that such parts can have a
flow-length-to-wall-thickness ratio of about 90 to 1 or greater. A
flow-length-to-wall-thickness ratio compares the distance which
plastic material must displace or move within a mold with the wall
thickness of the molded part.
[0005] An advantage of thin-walled vacuum storage containers is
that they are generally light-weight and inexpensive as compared to
prior art containers. Another advantage is that thin-walled
containers are sufficiently rigid to be washable and therefore
reusable. These and other advantages and features of the
thin-walled vacuum storage containers will be apparent from the
following drawings and detailed description of the embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a thin-walled vacuum storage
container including a base and a lid with a valve element and also
showing the nozzle of a vacuum device for producing a vacuum within
the container.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vacuum storage container
interfacing with the vacuum device.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken through the storage
container along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 showing the valve element and
the base-lid connection.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the indicated area in FIG. 3
which is labeled FIG. 4 showing in better detail the base-lid
connection.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the storage container with
the storage cavity appropriately evacuated.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the evacuated storage
container of FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
vacuum storage container having a feature in the form of projecting
embossments for protecting the valve element.
[0013] FIG. 8 is an elevational cross-sectional view taken through
the storage container of FIG. 7 along line 8-8 and showing multiple
storage containers in a stacked relationship.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
vacuum storage container having a feature in the form of projecting
fingers for protecting the valve element.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of another
embodiment of a vacuum storage container showing another type of
valve element, particularly a duck-bill valve element, and the
nozzle of a vacuum device.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken through the storage
container of FIG. 10 along line 11-11.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 and FIG.
11 taken of another embodiment of a storage container showing
another type of valve element, particularly a diaphragm valve
element, in a closed state.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the storage container
and diaphragm valve element of FIG. 12 showing the diaphragm valve
element in an open state and interfacing with the nozzle of a
vacuum device.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
embodiment of the storage container of FIG. 12.
[0020] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
vacuum storage container having a round or circular shape.
[0021] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 taken of
another embodiment of a vacuum storage container wherein the base
and detachable lid are connected by a hinge.
[0022] FIG. 17 is a detailed view similar to FIG. 4 taken of
another embodiment of a vacuum storage container wherein the base
and detachable lid are connected together by corresponding
protrusions in a snap-fit relationship.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Now referring to the Figures, wherein like reference numbers
refer to like elements, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 the
parts of a vacuum storage container 100 including a base 102 and a
detachable lid 104 that can be connected to the base. To receive
items for storage, the base 102 is shaped to provide a void or
storage cavity 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 102 is
rectangular and includes a flat, centrally located bottom panel 108
and four straight, generally upright side panels 110. In some
embodiments, the upright side panels can actually angle slightly
outward to facilitate nested stacking of multiple bases together.
The space opposite the bottom panel 108 and surrounded by the top
edges of the side panels 110 provides an opening 112 for accessing
the storage cavity. The side edges of each of the side panels 110
are interconnected to bound the storage cavity 106, with the
exception of the opening 112, and thereby provide the rectangular
shape of the storage container 100. In other embodiments, however,
the storage container can have any number of base panels and side
panels and can have any suitable shape including cup-shaped and/or
bowl-shaped. For example, referring to FIG. 15, there is
illustrated a vacuum storage container 160 having a circular shaped
lid 164 detachably connected to a base 162 having a circular
cross-section. Because the circular side panel 168 of the base 162
tapers, the base overall is shaped as a truncated cone. In
addition, the containers may be in different sizes.
[0024] To completely enclose the storage cavity 106, in the
illustrated embodiment, the lid 104 is formed as another generally
flat panel having a peripheral edge 114 that corresponds to the
rectangular shape of the base 102. Of course, the lid can have any
other suitable shape depending upon the arrangement and shape of
the base. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, to facilitate an airtight
seal between the base 102 and lid 104 when connected, the base
includes an upward extending projecting tongue 116 that extends
continuously about a rim established by the interconnected side
panels 110. Disposed into the lid 104 continuously about the
peripheral edge 114 is a U-shaped groove 118 for receiving the
tongue 116 when the lid and base are connected. Improved air
tightness can be realized by placing a resilient gasket 120 in the
groove 118. The gasket 120 can be made of elastomeric material.
Thus, when the base 102 and lid 104 are connected, the tongue 116
can press into gasket 120 with the gasket urging back against the
tongue thereby creating a positive sealing effect. In one
embodiment, the gasket may be compressible. In other embodiments,
the gasket 120 may be eliminated, and the base 102 and lid 104 make
an airtight seal, for example, by using specified tolerances, cut
backs, undercuts or other techniques. In addition, the containers
may also be vacuum tight.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, to preserve food items stored in
the storage cavity 106, there is attached to the lid 104 a valve
element 122 which communicates with the storage cavity when the
base and lid are connected. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
1, 2, and 3, the valve element 122 is an umbrella type valve
element. The umbrella type valve element 122 can be made from a
flexible material, such as, rubber, and includes a circular
flexible skirt 124 and a neck 126 projecting from approximately the
center of the skirt. To attach the valve element 122 to the lid 104
such that the valve element communicates with the storage cavity
106, there are disposed through the center of the lid three
closely-spaced holes or apertures 128 in a straight line with each
other. The neck 126 is inserted into the center aperture 128 to
retain the valve element 122 to the lid 104 in such a manner that
the flexible skirt 124 overlays the apertures. In other
embodiments, the lid may include one, two, four, five or more
apertures. For example, in a one aperture embodiment, the center
aperture may be used to retain the valve element and also allow the
passage of air, such as, by a loose fit or by a groove in the neck
of the valve element. Referring to FIG. 3, in various embodiments,
to prevent contamination of the valve element 122 by contents
stored within the storage container 100, a filter 129 can be fitted
about valve element on the inside of the container. The filter 129
may be filter material. The filter may separate liquids and/or
solid particles from the air.
[0026] To evacuate the storage cavity, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2,
the valve element 122 can interface with a vacuum device. For
example, a nozzle 132 of a handheld vacuum device 130 is placed
adjacent the lid 104 and surrounds the valve element 122. The tip
of the nozzle 132 can include a gasket 134 that can be made from a
resilient material, such as, foam to ensure a good seal between the
vacuum device 130 and the storage container 100. When the vacuum
device 130 is activated, the flexible skirt 124 lifts upward from
the lid 104 exposing the apertures 128. Hence, air trapped in the
storage cavity 106 can be removed by the vacuum device 130. When
the vacuum device 130 is turned off or removed from the storage
container 100, the skirt 124 resiliently falls adjacent the lid 104
covering the apertures 128 and thereby preventing air from
reentering the container 100. Moreover, the vacuum within the
storage cavity 106 will tend to pull the flexible skirt 124
adjacent the lid 104 via the apertures 128 thereby the apertures
remain sealed.
[0027] When the storage cavity 106 is under vacuum, referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6, the lid 104 may be drawn or displaced partially into
the storage cavity. Because the nozzle 132 of the vacuum device
includes the gasket 134, a seal is maintained between the vacuum
device and the storage container even as the lid 104 displaces. To
release the vacuum, an individual can pry or lift the flexible
skirt 124 of the valve element 122 with his or her fingers to
expose the apertures 128 allowing air to enter the storage cavity
106. Once the vacuum has been released, the lid 104 springs back
from being disposed into the storage cavity and the container 100
returns to its un-evacuated shape shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Other
techniques may be used to release the vacuum which may be
integrated into the valve design, such as, a button on the top of
the valve. In various embodiments, the storage container 100 can
include a vacuum indicating feature such as a visible indicator
136. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the indicator 136 is disposed
on the top of the lid 104 and can be formed as an even
thinner-walled depression made into the thin-walled lid panel.
Normally, when the storage cavity 106 is not under vacuum
conditions, the indication blister 136 projects upwards from the
lid 104. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, when evacuating
the storage cavity, the surrounding atmospheric pressure exerts a
force upon the indicator 136 causing the indicator 136 to indent or
"pop" across the plane of the lid 104 into the storage cavity.
Hence, the indicator 136 provides a visible indication that the
storage container 100 is in an evacuated condition. If the vacuum
is released, the indicator can pop back to it normal upwards
projecting condition.
[0028] To secure the lid 104 to the base 102, the container 100 can
include one or more interlocking latches 140. Referring to FIG. 1,
the latches 140 each include a latch plate 142 that is pivotally
connected to and extends from the peripheral edge 114 of the lid
104. Each latch plate 142 includes an elongated slot 144 disposed
therein. The base 102 includes corresponding latch tongues 146 that
project outward from the upper edge of the side panels 110
proximate the opening 112. When the lid 104 is connected to the
base 102, the latch plates 142 can be pivoted downward so that the
latch tongue 146 is received in the slot 144. In an embodiment, the
latch tongue 146 can be sized slightly larger than the slot 144 or
offset with respect to the slot so that the tongue is frictionally
received in the slot. In other embodiments, the lid may be
connected to the base by using a snap fit as shown in FIG. 17 or by
using threads on the base and lid. In another embodiment, the lid
may be positioned onto the base and held in position when the
vacuum is applied to the container.
[0029] The base 102 and lid 104 can be made from thin-walled
plastic material. The plastic material may be a thermoplastic
material, such as, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene,
polyethylene terephthalater, nylon, polystyrene, EVA, thermoplastic
polyester, metallocene, or combinations thereof. The material may
include fillers, colorants, additives, and reinforcements.
Referring to FIG. 3, the thickness of a substantial portion or
majority of the bottom panel 108 and upright side panels 110 as
indicated by dimension 148 can be about 2.5 millimeters or less.
Likewise, the substantial portion of the lid 102 can have a
thickness indicated by dimension 150 of about 2.5 millimeters or
less. In further embodiments, the thicknesses indicated by
dimensions 148 and 150 can be in a first range of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm,
in a second range of 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, and in a third range of 1.5
mm to 2.0 mm.
[0030] The thin-walled base and lid can be made by any suitable
thin-walled manufacturing method including, for example,
thin-walled injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding, vacuum
molding, centrifugal molding, compression molding and combinations
thereof. Another characteristic of thin-walled parts made typically
by injection molding is that they can have large
flow-length-to-wall-thickness ratios. Where the thin-walled parts
are made by injection molding, hot or molten plastic is inserted
under pressure into a mold through a gate or injection site and
flows throughout the mold filling voids and thereafter cooling and
forming the finished part. The distance that plastic travels from
the injection site to an extremity of the mold is known as
flow-length. The average thickness of the part along the
flow-length distance can be compared to the flow-length distance
itself to provide the flow-length-to-wall-thickness ratio. Where
the molded part has very thin walls, the ratio can become large,
for example, on the order of 90:1 or greater.
[0031] As an example of flow-length-to-wall-thickness ratio,
referring to FIG. 3, the injection site or gate of the mold for the
base 102 can correspond to the center of the bottom panel 108 at
the location designated by reference number 152. As can be
appreciated, when the base 102 is made, molten plastic must move
from the injection site 152 to the upper rim of the side panels
110. This distance from the injection site 152 to the rim of the
side panels 110 is then compared to the average wall thickness
along the distance to arrive at the flow-length-to-wall-thickness
ratio. For the base 102 and lid 104 made from thin-walled
techniques, the flow-length-to-wall-thickness can be 90:1 or
greater. The flow-length-to-wall-thickness ratio may be in a first
range of 90:1 to 300:1, in a second range of 90:1 to 200:1, or in a
third range of 90:1 to 130:1.
[0032] Another characteristic of making the containers with
thin-walls is the internal vacuum pressure that can be maintained
in the storage cavity. For example, the stiffness and strength of
the bottom panel 108 and side panels 110 is sufficient to resist
collapse up to vacuum pressures of about 5 pounds per square inch
absolute ("PSIA"). It is believed that at pressures of about 5
PSIA, food items can be sufficiently preserved while the container
100 can generally maintain its shape at least to the extent
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. However, at pressures lower than 5
PSIA, the stiffness and strength of the container panels may be
overcome and the container will fail. The container has failed if
air leaks into the container and/or deformation of the container is
such that the container is no longer usable. The container may fail
in a first range of 5 PSIA to 13.7 PSIA, in a second range of 6.7
PSIA to 13.7 PSIA, or in a third range of 6.7 PSIA to 12.0
PSIA.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 7, there is illustrated another embodiment
of a vacuum storage container 200 having a feature on the lid 204
designed for protecting the valve element 222. Like the previous
embodiment, the lid 204 of the present embodiment is detachably
connectable to a generally rectangular base 202 to enclose a
storage cavity. To evacuate the storage cavity, the valve element
222 is attached to a center location of the lid 204 and
communicates with the storage cavity. Included as part of and
protruding upwards from the lid 204 and arranged radially about the
valve element 222 is a plurality of embossments 250 which rise
higher above the plane of lid than the valve element. In the
illustrated embodiment, four embossments 250 are arranged at right
angles with each other but, in other embodiments, any suitable
number and arrangements can be used. As illustrated, the
embossments can each be shaped as three-dimensional parabolas.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 8, because the embossments 250 rise above
the valve element, they can protect the valve element 222 from
coming into contact with other objects that could damage the valve
element or otherwise unintentionally release the vacuum inside the
storage container 200. One advantage of this function of the
embossments 222 is that they allow for multiple storage containers
200 to be stacked one upon another which facilitates transportation
and storage of the containers. Also illustrated in FIG. 8, the
embossments 250 can be formed as hollow structures depressed into
the lid 204 and with the same thin-walled thickness of the rest of
the lid. However, in other embodiments, the embossments can be
solid and can include other shapes and sizes. The embossments may
also provide additional strength to the lid.
[0035] For example, referring to FIG. 9, in another embodiment of
the vacuum storage container 300, thin narrow fingers 350 rather
than wide parabolic embossments protrude from the lid 304. In the
illustrated embodiment, the fingers 350 are again arranged radially
about the valve element 322 and at right angles with each other,
but in other embodiments can have any other suitable arrangement or
number. To protect the valve element 322, the fingers 350 extend
higher above the plane of the lid than the valve element.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, there is illustrated another
embodiment of a storage container 400 having a lid 404 with a
different type of valve element 422 attached thereto. To protect
the valve element 422 in the illustrated embodiment, the lid 404
includes a centrally located depressed region 424 that deflects
partly into the storage cavity 406. In the illustrated embodiment,
the depressed region 424 can have a rectangular shape suitably
sized to accommodate the nozzle 432 of a vacuum device 430. In
other embodiments, the depressed region 424 can have any other
suitable shape. The valve element 422 is located within this
depressed region 424 and is generally recessed below the plane of
the lid 404. Accordingly, multiple storage containers 400 can be
stacked one on top of another without interfering or damaging the
valve element 422. In other embodiments, the container may use the
embossments noted herein to protect the valve.
[0037] The particular valve element 422 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and
11 is a duckbill valve element. The duckbill valve element 422 can
be made of any suitable resilient or flexible material and includes
a tubular base portion 426 from which projects two upward
projecting lips 428 that normally oppose and press against each
other along a seam line 429. The tubular base portion 426 is
attached over a hole 405 disposed through the lid 404 within the
depressed region 424 for example, by adhesive or by press-fitting
the tubular base portion into the hole. When a vacuum device 430 is
interfaced with the duckbill valve element 422, the lips 428 can
separate thereby opening the seam line 429 and thus allowing air to
be removed from the storage cavity 406. When the vacuum device is
turned off or removed, the lips 428 resiliently return to sealing
against each other along the seam line 429 thereby preventing the
environmental air from be drawn into the storage cavity. Other
embodiments of the duckbill valve may be used.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, there is illustrated
another embodiment of a vacuum storage container 500 having another
type of valve element, in particular, a diaphragm valve element
522. The diaphragm valve element 522 may be positioned in a
depressed region 524 disposed into the lid 504 such that the valve
element is generally recessed below the plane of the lid in order
to protect the valve element. In its normally closed position,
illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14, the diaphragm valve 522 includes a
generally planar flexible diaphragm 526 with a circular peripheral
edge 528 and a central aperture 530 disposed therein. Excess
material 532 in the form of a folded collar or sleeve is included
within the plane of the flexible diaphragm 526 and extends
annularly and concentricly about the aperture 530. To enable
communication between the diaphragm valve element 522 and the
storage cavity 506, one or more holes 505 are disposed at
off-center positions through the depressed region 524 of the lid
504. The diaphragm valve 522 is then attached by its peripheral
edge 528 to the lid 504 such that the excess material 532 can
generally align over the lid holes 505. The inner portion of the
flexible diaphragm 526 including the central aperture 530
adjacently overlay a solid portion of the depressed region 524.
Hence, fluid communication between the lid holes 505 and the
diaphragm aperture 530 is not normally possible.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 13, when the nozzle of a vacuum device 550
is interfaced with the diaphragm valve element 522 and suction
applied, the rolling collar or sleeve 532 unfurls and allows the
central portion of the flexible diaphragm 526 to lift away from the
lid 504. Hence, air from the storage cavity 506 can move through
the lid holes 544 and exit through the diaphragm aperture 530. Once
the nozzle of the vacuum device 550 is removed or the vacuum device
is turned off, the rolling collar or sleeve 532 refurls so that the
central portion of the diaphragm 526 again overlies the depressed
lid region 524 sealing the storage cavity 506 as illustrated in
FIG. 12. Other embodiments of a diaphragm valve may be used.
Referring to FIG. 16, there is illustrated another embodiment of a
vacuum storage container 600 wherein the base 602 and lid 604 are
integrally joined to each other by a hinge 605. For example, the
hinge 605 can be a flexible living hinge which extends between and
is integrally formed with both an upright side panel 610 of the
base 602 and the peripheral edge of the lid 604. The living hinge
605 can extend along one of the sides of the storage container 600.
To access the storage cavity 606, the lid 604 may pivot about the
living hinge 605 away from the base 602. In a further variation, to
secure the base 602 and lid 604 together when connected, a latching
mechanism 640 of the aforementioned type can be included on the
container side opposite the living hinge 605. In other embodiments,
the base and lid may be secured using other techniques noted
herein, such as, a snap fit.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 17, there is illustrated in detail another
embodiment of a vacuum storage container 700 wherein, instead of
the aforementioned latching mechanism, the base 702 and lid 704 can
be secured together by a snap-fit relationship. Specifically, the
lid 704 includes a three-sided groove 718 formed about its
peripheral edge that can receive a vertically projecting tongue 716
extending from the upper edges of the base 702. For providing an
airtight seal, a resilient gasket 720 can be included in the groove
718. To facilitate the snap-fit relationship, a protrusion 722 can
extend inwards from an outer wall of the groove 718 and a
corresponding protrusion 724 can extend outwards from the vertical
tongue 716. When the tongue 716 is received in the groove 718, the
protrusions 722, 724 can slide past and then interlock or "snap"
behind one another. The protrusions 722, 724 can be placed
continuously or intermittently about the peripheries of the base
702 and lid 704.
[0041] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0042] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0043] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventor(s) for
carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred
embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor(s) expect
skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the
inventor(s) intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than
as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention
includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter
recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable
law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in
all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention
unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted
by context.
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